Identity Essay
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The term identity In the play Twelfth Night, the concept of identity is explored through many characters; such as Viola, Malvolio, and Feste, the Clown.
Viola was a beautiful countess from a country called Messaline whose twin brother is Sebastian. A Sea Captain found her on the shores of Illyria after the ship they were on was wrecked. The shipwreck has separated both Viola and Sebastian. Her twin brother was seen by the Sea Captain and had told her that Sebastian was swept away by the sea waves. Being alone in a foreign country was a tough experience for Viola. Not knowing whether shell be safe or not, Viola decided to changed herself. She decided to dress up as a young man and chose the name Cesario. Viola who is now Cesario was brought to Duke Orsino, ruler of Illyria, and was a accepted as Duke Orsinos love messenger to Olivia. Throughout the play, Cesario proceeds to pass messages between Duke Orsino and Olivia. This job becomes difficult for her because she had to convince Olivia to fall in love with Duke Orsino but Viola has fallen in love with Duke Orsino, and Duke Orsinos love Olivia
has learned to fall in love with Cesario who believe that she was a man.
On the other hand, identity is also explored through Antonio. In Illyria, Antonio was known as a wanted pirate in Illyria and an enemy of Duke Orsino. “I could not stay behind you: my desire, more sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth; and not all love to see you, though so much as might have drawn one to a longer voyage, but jealousy what might befall your travel, being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger, unguided and unfriended, often prove rough and unhospitable: my willing love, the rather by these arguments of fear, set forth in your pursuit” this quote explains that Antonio was ready to sacrifice his life to help and be with his friend Sebastian. Although it was dangerous for Antonio to travel in Illyria, he still decided to follow Sebastian in disguise. Others knew Antonio as a bad person because he fought against Duke Orsino, but deep inside his heart he was ready to help and risk his life for a friend.
Lastly, Feste also known as the Clown is Olivias fool or professional jester. When Feste said, ” I wear not motley in my brain” he meant that even though he was dressed as a fool, he was not as foolish as they thought he was. Since his job was to make funny jokes for people who were feeling down, it makes him look stupid. But the truth is, Feste is a wise man. Making jokes and songs at a sudden moment is not easy but Feste was able to do it.